Job Discussion Forums

spaz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 15

would anyone recommend bringing an english grammar book with you for teaching english?
what's a good english grammar book to buy?

Phil_b · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 239 Location: Back in London

Best that I�ve found is 'Practical English Usage' by Michael Swan - you can get it in SBS in Cordoba (I guess they have a branch in BsAs as well) for either $50 or $75. It may well be cheaper if you bring it with you.

I would definitely recommend having one for reference.

Ackerley81 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 49

I have How English Works also by Michael Swan and it's been really helpful. I would definitely get it off Amazon or something before you come. Books in English are very expensive here. Bring some novels too if you are a reader.

Sarah

matttheboy · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Posts: 854 Location: Valparaiso, Chile

I've never worked out why Swan is so popular. He really makes things far more complicated than they really are and many of his 'explanations' have nothing to do with 'practical usage'. I've found that his books mix things around as well making them difficult to follow a lot of the time.

The best explanation of english grammar by far that i've used is

'Grammar for English Language Teachers' by Martin Parrott, published by Cambridge University Press ISBN 0521 477972

I've lugged this bugg er all around the world but i'd never leave for a job without it.

Ackerley81 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 49

yeah, it's true. The book I have by him could really use some improvement. It's ok for a base, but I have to do a lot of clarifying.

pamperito · Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Brooklyn, New York

I' ve found this great book:

The grammar guide. Developing Language Skills for Academic Success
by Nancy M. Ackles
The University of Michigan Press.

It is a helpful book, full of resources.